It's my conceit that perhaps some diseases perceived as diseases that destroy a well-functioning machine actually turn it into a new but still well-functioning machine with a different purpose. The AIDS virus: look at it from its point of view. Very ...
Which do you think is more valuable to humanity? a. Finding ways to tell humans that they have free will despite the incontrovertible fact that their actions are completely dictated by the laws of physics as instantiated in our bodies, brains and env...
Discouraged? As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-baseline, I asked one of the boys what the score wa...
We all dream dreams of unity, of purity; we all dream that there's an authoritative voice out there that will explain things, including ourselves. If it wasn't for our longing for these things, I doubt the novel or the short story would exist in its ...
The panther prowled around me in a loose, wide circle. Its mouth turned down, almost in a pout, and it seemed disappointed that I wasn't going to run away. Or scream, at the very least. Its tail, which was at least three feet long, twitched back and ...
Paul Hood: I've been thinking, Francis. You are one drug-addled, elitist freak. And when the revolution comes I do not want to be lined up with you and shot because you're fucking ripe for political reeducation. You know, like in the fields. Francis ...
Baloo: So just try and... relax. Yeah. Cool it. Fall apart in my backyard. 'Cause let me tell you something, little britches: if you act like that bee at... Uh-uh. You're working too hard. And don't spend your time lookin' around for something you wa...
Gordie: Why did he have to die, Chris? Why did Denny have to die? Chris: I don't know. Gordie: It should've been me. Chris: Don't say that. Gordie: It should've been me. Chris: Don't say that, man! Gordie: I'm no good. My dad said it. I'm no good. Ch...
[in the waiting room of the afterlife] Barbara: Adam, is this what happens when you die? Receptionist: This is what happens when *you* die. [points at a gaunt man smoking] Receptionist: That is what happens when *he* dies. [points at a woman cut in h...
Lydia: Are you the guys hiding out in the attic? Adam: We're ghosts! Lydia: What do you look like under there? Adam: Aren't you scared? Lydia: I'm not scared of sheets. Are you gross under there? Are you Night of the Living Dead under there? Like all...
Timothy Cavendish: [narrating] While my extensive experience as an editor has led me to a disdain for flashbacks and flash forwards and all such tricksy gimmicks I believe that if you, dear Reader, can extend your patience for just a moment, you will...
Jacopo: I bid you good afternoon, sir. I am here to purchase your lovely home. Mansion Owner: [laughing] The very cheek! I shall have you horsewhipped! Now get off my property, you vagabond, before I set the dogs on you, you hear? Jacopo: [Jacapo low...
Clément Mathieu: [they've found the stolen money and a harmonica] You know Mondain was expelled because they thought he'd stolen the money. Corbin: No, sir. Clément Mathieu: No, that's right you didn't. But now I've told you. So what were you going...
[first lines] [subtitled version] Christian Klingenfeldt: [on his cellphone] Christian speaking... Hi, I'm here now. I landed this morning. What? Er... Washed? I shaved at the airport if you must know. I shaved at the airport if you must know! I'm fi...
Randal Graves: Fine, just let me borrow your car. Dante Hicks: Why should I loan you my car? Randal Graves: I wanna rent a movie. Dante Hicks: You wanna rent a movie? Randal Graves: I wanna rent a movie! [Dante sighs] Randal Graves: What's that for? ...
Felix: Now you're here. Why? Max: I lost my stuff. The list. Felix: I want you to listen to me real well. Special groups put together the list of dedos. Max: Dedos? Felix: Fingers, informants. Signal interceptions with voice-recognition software, sur...
Father James Lavelle: Leave home. Go somewhere where your chances of meeting available young women with loose morals are increased proportionately. Milo Herlihy: Sligo town, d'you mean? Father James Lavelle: No, I was thinking more: Dublin, London, N...
[first lines] Passerby: Well, I want to go over to my place and start, you know, getting it on... Ann: Oh, that's terrible. Mark: Yeah. Do you ever, uh... ballet? Ann: Be thankful. Do you have a quarter for them? Mark: Yes, I do. Ann: [gives it to st...
Ian Curtis: I don't want to be in the band anymore. Unknown Pleasures was it. I was happy. I never meant for it to grow like this. When I'm up there, singing they don't understand how much I give and how it affects me. Now they want more. They expect...
Shug: [after telling Albert that she and her husband are leaving] Celie is coming with us. Albert: What? Shug: Celie is coming with us to Memphis. Albert: Over my dead body. Shug: You satisfied? That what you want? Albert: [to Celie] NOW What's wrong...
James Bond: Dry Martini. Bartender: Oui, monsieur. James Bond: Wait... three measures of Gordon's; one of vodka; half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it over ice, and add a thin slice of lemon peel. Bartender: Yes, sir. Tomelli: You know, I'll have o...